In late September, Freya Architects, the Polish furniture brand Artu, and Serbian furniture company NITEA hosted a three-day design exhibition titled "You Thought It Was Just a Chair?" at the N.EON Gallery in Belgrade.
© ARTU | Freya Architects | NITEA
The event explored the full lifecycle of furniture design, from initial concept to finished product. A central installation spanning the gallery's halls illustrated each stage of production, allowing visitors to follow the creative and technical journey step by step.
Adding an artistic perspective, the exhibition featured a cave-based installation, "Cemetery of Genius Ideas", symbolically representing the creative process and the ideas set aside along the way.
The program also included an educational component: a lecture by German product designer Moritz Putzier of Studio Moritz Putzier, who discussed his studio's philosophy and creative approach. His presentation highlighted how craftsmanship, technology, and emotion intersect in contemporary product design.
© ARTU | Freya Architects | NITEA
The event concluded with a Design Talk featuring:
- Kristina Koivistoinen-Khatlamadzhiian, Freya Architects (Serbia)
- Moritz Putzier, Studio Moritz Putzier (Germany)
- Zoran Jedrejčić, Zoran Jedrejčić Design Studio (Croatia)
- Moderated by Kosara Dangic, the discussion offered insights into design processes, professional development, and the importance of collaboration across the creative industry.
The exhibition emphasised that furniture is more than a functional object: each piece embodies a journey of ideas, experimentation, and skilled craftsmanship. By combining installations, lectures, and interactive discussion, the event provided a comprehensive and engaging perspective on contemporary furniture design.
© ARTU | Freya Architects | NITEA
More information:
ARTU Design
[email protected]
www.artu.works
Freya Architects
[email protected]
www.freyaarchitects.com
